Spinal cord injuries are one of the most common types of injuries suffered in car accident victims. Approximately 17,500 new spinal cord injuries are reported each year in the United States. This means 54 out of every million Americans suffer a spinal cord injury. Approximately 245,000 to 353,000 Americans were estimated to be living with a spinal cord injury in 2017.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), car accidents cause 46% of spinal cord injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a spinal cord injury in a motor vehicle collision, you will incur a lifetime cost of approximately $3 million, depending on the severity of your injury. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another motorist, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is a traumatic injury that impacts the spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that is part of the central nervous system that transmits signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The spinal cord is protected by a series of bones that runs vertically along the back, called the spinal column. When your spinal cord is injured, it can impact your sensory, motor and reflex capabilities below the injury site. The higher the injury, the more severe the resulting damage can be.
Important Steps to Take After an Accident that Injured the Spine
When you are injured in a motor vehicle accident that results in spinal cord damage, time is of the essence. The amount of time that passes between the injury and the medical treatment you ultimately receive can be a critical factor in the extent of your complications and recovery.
Some steps that must be taken after an accident that involves some type of potential spinal cord injury, include:
- Immediately call 911.
- Keep the victim as still as possible – the slightest movement can further exacerbate the spinal cord injury.
- The victim should not be moved until first responders arrive at the scene of the accident and precautionary measures are taken.
- If bleeding, basic first aid should be administered until the ambulance arrives, taking care that the victim’s head and neck are not moved.
- Seek immediate medical care.
Call a New York City Spinal Cord Injury Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident that was caused by the reckless actions of another party, you may have a valid personal injury claim and be entitled to monetary compensation. For more information or to consult with one of our experienced New York City spinal cord injury attorneys, please call Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. at 1-800-529-9997.
